In our survey of New Zealand cities to house our urban-based internships, Wellington stood out above the rest. As the country’s capital city, Wellington is a sea-side gem with a vibrant population energized by numerous universities and travelers. The city has a population approaching 180,824, while the region boasts 450,765. The earliest name for Wellington from Maori legend is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, which means the head of Maui’s fish. Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became New Zealand’s North Island.

Bound by its magnificent harbor, with wooden Victorian buildings terraced up steep hills, New Zealand’s capital boasts spectacular views, challenging walks, a thriving cafe and entertainment scene, and serious dedication to the arts make Wellington an enormously enjoyable place in which to spend a few days. 
Wellington boasts an impressive array of museums ranging from maritime exhibits to natural history to indigenous and modern art. And while the countryside may not be known for its cuisine, Wellington celebrates some of the best of Asian and middle-eastern cuisine in the Pacific.

It will not be difficult to make friends in Wellington as university students and travelers pour into the streets, pubs and discotheques after nightfall on a nightly basis.

The YHA is much more than just a place to stay, it is about the spirit of travel – challenge your spirit, stretch your mind, and choose your adventure. YHA hostel facilities are the gateway to a cultural exploration of New Zealand and its natural environment, with the overriding philosophy ‘Travel without a Trace’ or in Maori ‘Toitu te whenua – leave the land undisturbed’. A not-for-profit incorporated society, owned by the members, it is a pioneer in the backpacking industry worldwide. Its charter provides a framework from which the New Zealand organization strives to develop its hostels into Sustainable Living Centers (SLC) that help to minimize YHA’s impact on the environment.

The SLC’s also provide the opportunity for the traveler to gain knowledge and practical experience in conservation practices, that can be easily adopted in their own communities back home. The Organization’s Environment Care Code encourages all travelers to play an active role in conserving the environment – ‘leave all stones unturned’. This internship at the Wellington City YHA provides the opportunity to be situated in the capital – the political and cultural hub of New Zealand. This dynamic city boasts fantastic cafes, bars, restaurants, theaters, museums and galleries. You will also have the opportunity to take time out to travel during this internship in order to contribute to visitors’ inquiries and possibly assisting in the YHA’s travel booking service for those planning, reserving and ticketing transport, accommodation and activities.

This internship at the Wellington City YHA provides the opportunity to be situated in the capital – the political and cultural hub of New Zealand. This dynamic city boasts fantastic cafes, bars, restaurants, theaters, museums and galleries. You will also have the opportunity to take time out to travel during this internship in order to contribute to visitors’ inquiries and possibly assisting in the YHA’s travel booking service for those planning, reserving and ticketing transport, accommodation and activities.

Forget drab dormitory-style hostels, this is a vibrant modern hostel with private and shared accommodation (some with en suite facilities), a well-equipped kitchen, large comfortable lounges, even laundry facilities with a TV and harbor views! An intern will be expected to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and to be involved in all aspects of the management of this hostel. All the staffs are young (many from other countries) and, therefore, you are guaranteed a great time socially, while being part of a pioneering hosteling organization committed to environmental education and protection.